Northern Guanacaste

Northern Guanacaste

Northern Guanacaste harbors an important portion of the costa rican cultural and natural patrimony. Not in vain there is a significant number of protected areas, including coastal, mountainous, terrestrial, and aquatic ecosystems, where life develops with exuberance. It is situated in the northern part of the country, and covers the pacific coast of Costa Rica, since the limit with Nicaragua to Punta Cerritos, located 22 km. west from de city of Santa Cruz. It covers an extension of approximately 100 km. of the Pacific Coast. In the past, this region has had its natural vocation in the cattle raising and in the agriculture. Currently, nevertheless, the incomparable beauty of its landscapes, that go from the tropical dry forest to the forest montano low and its hot climate, as well as its fertile nature, have done of Guanacaste one of the most concurred places by the local and international tourism. Besides an important backup in the Pole of Tourist Development of the Papagayo’s Gulf, there is the Daniel Oduber International, where a large quantity of flights arrives charter and regular flights from the United States. Northern Guanacaste has two main tourist centers that are Liberia (central of stopover distribution, scale and excursion) and Santa Cruz, and three other tourist centers: El Coco, Tamarindo and Flamingo.

The landscape of the coast is exceptional. There are beaches of white sands and a peaceful sea qualified by intense blue, especially the ones located inside Papagayo’s Gulf (Nacascolo, Virador, Iguanita and Panama). It is one of the regions of greater development, based on hotels of high investment with potentiality of direct demand.

Activities

The possible tourist activities to develop are diverse; they can relate to the vacation, the health, the culture, adventure and nature thus with recreational and sports aspects. In the upper part you can find a lot of activities that can be carried out in this area, as well as a brief description of the same.

Photography

By the climatic conditions of Guanacaste, the wealth of the flora and fauna as well as the various architectural, cultural, and natural landscapes, photography is one of the most practiced activities by the tourists.

Sportive Fishing

The sportive fishing is one of the main attractions of the Pacific North, the craft or recreational fishing can be carried out but also there are tournaments of great interest where several world records in fishing of picudos have been broken, which they are returned to the sea after their PESAJE???.

Architectural and Historic Places

There are different places and buildings with architectural and historic interest or National Monuments, which are considered as obliges visits, especially in Abangares, Bagaces, Cañas, Liberia and Santa Cruz.

Birds

Mainly in the protected areas, the observation of birds can be carried out, Palo Verde, Curú, Bolaños Island and Tenorio are some of the most important, enen though there are other places that permit of the enjoyment of the activity.

Cultural Activities

Along the year activities, the different communities celebrate historic, religious, sports, civic or artistic aspects.

Tasting of Foods

The typical towns are characterized for having sodas, cafés or restaurants, where the gastronomy can be tasted: Cañas, Tilarán, Liberia and mainly Santa Cruz are emphasized like the communities of tradition in foods and typical beverages.

Aventure on the Top of the Trees

Some options are given that permit the enjoyment of the observation of the activities that develop on the canopy of the forests, observation of several species of monkeys and birds.

Buy of Artesanias

The crafts in Guaitil of Santa Cruz and San Vicente of Nicoya are elaborate with pure clay, according to ancient and traditional techniques of the native chorotegas: decorations, vases, flowerpots, flower pots, dishes, ocarinas and other figures, by the fine finished and by the interest in acquiring them they can be bought in diverse places of Guanacaste. Also, other cultures elaborate crafts in cups that can be obtained from a plant named thipa, of which diverse products of role are done.

Recreational Cycling

The zone counts on a diversity of picturesque roads, places of adventure or dissemination that permit traveling through in current bicycle or mountaineer, visits to beaches and mountains are some of them traveled through of more interest.

Walk

There is not limit for the diverse walks that can be carried out for the observation of the different commercial, religious, cultural, architectural, historic, and natural attractions

Cavalcade

Guanacaste as rural zone permits to carry out this activity in the coastal zones, communities or mountainous areas, the tours to horse carry out them tourist businesses or cattle raisers farms owners families that are dedicated to the rent of horses.

Diving

This activity that can be considered of adventure or recreation comes fortifying in Guanacaste because of the excellent places of diving which counts and to the businesses specialized that they sell the service normally abroad; among the strategic places can be mentioned papagayo’s Gulf and the Santa Catalinas Islands.

Cultural Activities

Along the year activities, the different communities celebrate historic, religious, sports, civic or artistic aspects.

24. Passed of the Boy of the family Valdelomar Baltodano to the Hermitage of Our Mister of the Agony. Liberia.

25. Christmas

Rural Tourism and Services

In which concerns to rural tourism, the activities and services that are offered are the following and they are located in the corresponding geographical areas of the Pacific North:

• Ecoturismo Bolson located in the community of Bolson, is characterized for offering lodging services series at home of Ortega and Bolson, which are families prepared for the reception of the tourists. Activities: Traveling through by the Tempisque river and Palo Verde National Park for the observation of crocodiles, birds and monkeys among others.

• Located in Santa Barbara of Santa Cruz, next to the School, House of the Sun is a project that prompts the utilization of the solar energy. Activities: food prepared with the energy of the sun can be tasted.

Protected Areas

Miravalles Volcano Protected Zone

The main attraction of this protective zone is this volcano besides is that of greater altitude (2028 m.s.n.m.) in the Volcanic mountain Range of Guanacaste, canton of Bagaces. It counts in their skirts with thermal water that can be enjoyed in a spa located in Guayabo. Likewise, there are volcanic fumarolas that can also be visited. There are several waterfalls of great beauty as those of Cabro Muco, also in the farm of the school of The Fortune there is another waterfall and close to this educational center there are several gaps. Besides, in this zone the only project in Costa Rica of production of electricity with geothermal energy is located.

Lomas de Barbudal Biological Reserve

Al north of Palo Verde is located and is particularly notorious by the insects species, ehich makes from this, a special place for the investigation. Besides, it possesses various hábitats where its possible to enjoy savannahs, forests rivers dwellers, forests of gallery and forests deciduos. Also there are rivers with remansos very appropriate for the bath. Great quantity of trees of the species known like yellow bark, that during the dry epoch, especially in March they flourish flooding with that color all the area. The cute congos and white face, as well as the deer and many birds are some examples of the fauna of Barbudal.

National Refuge of Wildlife Junquillal Bay

It is a wild area characterized by their dry forests, where emphasize trees of guanacaste, cenízaro and madero black. Also it possesses various manglares with species of the salty, red, and black type. Among the animals they can be observed: red monkeys, congo and white face, white deers, iguanas, etc. It possesses paths, areas to camp and of lunch, sanitary services, pay phone and other. The bay Junquillal is its main attraction, although the refuge also understands other bays: Jicote, Cuajiniquil and Los Muñecos Islands.

National Refuge of Wild Fauna Bolaños Island

It is located inside the Salinas Bay. This island possesses an extension of 25 hectares and a maximum altitude of 81 meters. It is a rocky crag, whose greater importance rests in the presence of sea birds and among these the tendrils of sea they are emphasized and the pelícanos brown.

Tenorio Volcano National Park

It is located in the Volcanic mountain Range of Guanacaste and counts with several zones of life as: rain forest montano low, tropical very humid forest, very humid forest premontano. Their maximum altitude is of 1916 m. s. n. m. Among the most noticeable species of plants: the palms, ferns, bromelias and orchids. Among the animals they are: cute carablanca and congo, bears hormigueros, pumas, dantas, saínos. Also diversity of birds trogones and birds bell. This park counts on parking, drinking water, latrines, lodging for investigators, information, paths and windows that permit to enjoy its resources. These attractions, as well as the thermal water are found at a little distance from the administrative area with which they communicate through the path called •Mysteries of the Tenorio•. It is marvelous to be bathed in the water of this sky color river, as well as to contemplate the natural environment of this park.

Santa Rosa National Park

Counts on two sectors: Murcielago and Santa Rosa. The first one is located in the northern part of the peninsula of Santa Elena. There they emphasize several beaches as: the Hachal, Danta, Coquito, Santa Elena and Blanca. Near the administrative area there is parking, tables for rural lunches, baths, drinking water and area to camp. Likewise, counts on itself windows and paths. The sector of Santa Rosa counts on the most important sample of dry tropical forest in Centroamérica. In this forest they inhabit species as the deer, white congo and carablanca, etc. Also it possesses two beaches: Naranjo and Nancite. Finally, Santa Rosa has great historic importance as much as there happened the Battle of Santa Rosa. In this sector there are besides diverse paths and windows, as well as other places of interest: Monument to the heroes of 1856 and 1955, and the historic large house, that totally was reconstructed in the 2002.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

In this National Park is located the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. It has an extension of 14.083 hectares. It presents two sectors: Las Pailas and Santa María. Counts on nine cones and a gap: La Jilgueros. Sector Pailas: path to the craters (7,5 kms) Von Seebach (1898 m.s.n.m.) and Rincon de la Vieja(1806 m.s.n.m.), path to the pailas (2,77 kms), path to the cataracts La Cangreja (5,1kms) and Escondida (4,3 kms), path to the Rio Blanco (600 mts), path to the fumarolas and volcancitos of clay. Santa Maria Sector: path to the cataract Bosque Encantado (1100 mts), path sector Pailas (8 kms), path to the pailas of cold water (1600 mts), path to the thermal water (2,75 kms). In the surrounding area of the administrative area there are sanitary services, areas to have lunch and zone for camp. Also a historic large house counts on itself and a trapiche. Besides is able accesar al Park by the side of Buenos Aires of Upala.

Marine National Park The Baulas and National Refuge of Wildlife Tamarindo

Both wild areas are located mainly in the sector of Playa Grande and in the estuary of Tamarind, nevertheless, understand besides other sectors as are the beaches Carbon, Ventanas and Langosta, the hills Morro and Hermoso and the manglares San Francisco and Ventanas. The main tourist attraction of the Park is the spawning of the Baula turtles, situates in the anidamiento of the largest marine turtles of the world, an animal in danger of extinction that is protected in Costa Rica. In the Refuge, the main attraction is the manglar that counts on trees with excellent development. The most common species of mangrove are: red, black, white and piñuela. These forests of mangrove are the optimum place for the reproduction of fish, crustaceans and moluscos. Also reptiles can be observed, amphibious and birds. There is tours to observe the anidación of the tortoises Baulas and for travel through the estuary of Tamarind.

National Park Guanacaste

This park of little more than 32.000 hectares understands the volcanos Orosí and Cocoa, that are constituted in their main attractions. It possesses three sectors: Maritza, Pitilla and Cocoa, whose characteristics they are emphasized subsequently: The sector Maritza is located some 650 m. s. n. m. in the skirts of the volcano Orosí. It possesses a forest dry transition to humid, Orients of water and fractions. There is diversity of birds and an important mount pigs
population. The available services are: drinking water, latrines, paths and general information. The sector Pitilla is located 1 kilometer al south of the city of The Cross. Its main resource is the rainy forest. In the paths birds they can be observed and other animals and has a spectacular view of the lake of Nicaragua. The sector Cocoa is found in the skirts of the volcano of the same name, to some 1100 m. s. n. m. Counts on paths that communicate with dry forests transition to humid and forest nuboso. Also with the respective permission can be elevated to the top of this volcano.

Attractions

Playa Guacamaya

It is a beautiful beach of smooth swell, with coastal vegetation and a beautiful surrounding and maritime landscape, among the ones various small islands stand out. It is ideal to take the sun, bath, rest and relax. Hiking and excellent photography can be enjoyed.

Playa Grande

This beach is a part of the Baulas Marine National Park. Its name is originated for it’s wideness, this beach is prolonged toward the south to the Tamarindo’s estuary, where there is an important mangrove swamp (Tamarindo Wild Fauna National Refuge) which can be traveled in rowboats, for the observation of the flora and fauna. This beach is an especial attraction for the surfers and for whom desire to observe the spawning of the Baula turtle. Also it is very apt to take the sun, to carry out walks and to bath. Has been rewarded with the Blue Flag.

Playa Blanca (Flamingo)

Is moderate swelling inlet, apt for the bath. It has a mangrove swamp and towards the north, the Plata Island and the Punta Salinas are found, they separate the Brasilito and Potrero bays. From this point, the visitor enjoys as spectacular view of both bays. By their natural and scenic beauty, as well as the excellent and various services that it possesses, it’s ideal for those who desire to enjoy the beach during the day and to be entertained at night.

Playa Danta y Pan de Azúcar

These beaches are two inlets of less than one kilometer of length, surrounded by hills from where a magnificent panorama of the Bays Potrero and Brasilito can be seen. They are beaches with ideal serene water for the bath. From Danta beach the small islands of Pitahayas Santa Catalina can be seen. This last place, distant about nine kilometers, is one of preferred by the divers of all this coastal sector.

Playa Coyotera

It is a beach of great amplitude, at the front, the Isla Bolaños is found, and can be visited in rowboats or in kayaks. During the windiest months is a very appropriate place for the practice of windsurfing. It is ideal for rest, hike and horseback ride, as well as to explore other nearby places in mountain bikes.

Playa Conchal

Located south of Brasilito, from which is separated by a rocky promontory (Punta Conchal), from where an extensive and very beautiful panorama of this beach and of all the coast that extends toward the south can be seen. This inlet, of little less than 2 kilometers of length, owes their name to the pecularity that in their north part the sands are formed by millions of fragments of seashells. Counts on leafy vegetation and a mangove swamp and their water are crystalline. It is one of the most beautiful beaches of the country and is ideal for bathing, hiking and horseback ridinig and to enjoy rowboat trips and other aquatic sports, included diving. This beach has been rewarded with the Ecological Blue Flag, which identifies it as a safe and clean beach.

Playas del Coco

Its one of the beaches with the greater tradition and popularity in Costa Rica. It is located in a bay with little swell and very apt for the bath and the safe fonding of boats. It possesses grayish sands which are prolonged for almost three kilometers. Toward the south is located the Punta Centinela (small island), where there is a cove of clear sands. Playas del Coco possesses a wide range of services that permit to enjoy at the same time all kinds of sports and recreational activities, included the sporfishing, diving, rowboat trips, etc. It is also ideal to hike and horseback ride.

Playas Chorotega (Panamá)

Is an extensive bay of fine sand. It is flanked mainly by brazil’s trees, manzanillo de playa and mostrenco. Has little swell and in the Rocha’s estuary exists a small mangrove swamp. It’s a very popular beach for bath, rest, walk and camp. It is frequented for families wich delight contemplating the beauty of the maritime landscape that is prolonged towards white beaches located to the other side of Bahia Culebra.

Playa Brasilito

This beach, jointly with Conchal, conform the Brasilito Bay. Its a beach of smooth to moderates swells and slopes, depending on the sector. Toward the south extreme, a mangrove swam and the Isla Loros are located. It is an ideal beach to take the sun, to bath, to hike and to the contemplation of the maritime landscape and of the beautiful dawn.

Playas Blanca y Virador

The first one is a beach of crystalline water and smooth swell, located close to Punta Mala, inside the Bahía Culebra and that along with other beaches, is a part of the Golfo de Papagayo Touristical Project. From its seaboard, of 960 meters long, beaches Monte del Barco and Chorotega can be seen at the front. Blanca, as well as Playa Virador; located at the opposite side and a few meters away, form a narrow natural bridge that unites them with the Punta Mala. Virador is a beautiful inlet of white sands and ideal crystalline water for the bath and the diving practice.

Playa Blanca (Flamingo)

Is a moderate swell inlet, apt for the bath. It has a manglar and toward north, the Plata Island and Salinas’ Point are located, which both separate the Brasilito and Potrero Bays. From this point and spectacular view of both bays in enjoyed. By their natural and scenic beauty, as well as the excellent and varied services that possesses, is ideal for those who want to enjoy the beach during the day and to be enterntained at night.

Playa Avellanas

It is located about five kilometers south of Langosta. It presents a rocky coast prolonged for various kilometers, where its coastal vegetation stands out. Is bathed by strong swelling, with two adequate and different sections for the surfing practice. Hikes, as well baths and the observation; during the low tide, of minnows and mollusks in the piletas (·tide pools·) that are formed in their rocky areas, complement it’s main activities.

Monumento Nacional El Farallón

Located in Finca Las Lomas, El Farallón is an enormous rock wall, 20 meters long, full of native engravings, declared as National Monument in 1998. The petroglifos, according to some studies, were created by the natives among the first years of the Christian Era and the year 800 after Christ.
To arrive to this place, the visitor should enter to Cañas and then go to the Sandillal’s community. From there on, the road turns increasingly difficult, and in certain sections is only a trail. Once on the farm, the visitors are welcomed by the López’s brothers, who walk with them the last 300 meters to get to El Farallón, located to the edge of the Rio Cabuya.

La montadera Popular o Corrida de Toros

In almost all of the Guanacaste’s towns exist edifications known as ·redondel· or plaza de toros, where this recreational activity is practiced, which shows the ability of the montadores by remaining the major possible time on the back of the bull. Men, teenagers and some times children practice this activity. Right now it is so popular that a monta championship exists, where main montadores of the country participate.

Through many years and with the purpose to obtain the grease of the alligators, that according to the guanacasteco’s tradition possesses especial curative properties that day, this activity takes place on the Holy Friday in the community of Ortega of the district Bolsón and is known as the · lagarteada·. The task is given to a group of men, first of all they have to locate the exact place in the Tempisque river where the largest lizard is found, the Holy Day and with the contribution from ten to fifteen people and a trasmallo get the capture done (do not they sacrifice the alligator) and in the center of Ortega they put it in a pileta built for such end and they leave it so that the visitors and community can see it. The following Monday after the Resurrection they return it to it’s habitat. As complement to the capture, foods and typical beverages of Guanacaste sale activities are carried out.

Ermita de Nuestro Señor de la Agonía

This picturesque hermitage located in the neighborhood Los Cerros in Liberia, in the end of the central avenue, represents a type of colonial architecture built with adobes, of which in Costa Rica very few constructions exist. The start of the building went back to 1850 and for 1866 they are added him the bells. Him it has been declared of architectural and historic interest

Ecomuseo de las minas de Abangares

The Ecomuseo is located in a property of 10 ha. and is equipped in adequate form for the visitors; the house of the gunpowder can be observed, foundation of the buildings of the mallets, the walls on the which passed the train, the quarries and some machinery with which was extracted and transported gold. Is a historic place by the diverse economic and social situations that lived himself when Minor Keith was the owner of the Abangares Gold Field of Costa Rica. Is located in the Saw of Abangares and he remains open from Tuesday to Sunday with a schedule from 8 to.m. to 3 p.m. The enter is for Las Juntas.

Día del Sabanero y Cocineras de la Hacienda Santa Rosa

It is celebrated in the Santa Rosa National Park, the second Sunday of the month of November. A Mass of Troop in homage to the sabaneros is celebrated and cooks that labored in the Estate, subsequently a bullfight is carried out and activities of the tasks of the sabanero, foods and music.

Ciudad de Liberia

Liberia is known like the white city, is a typical population of coastal fishing with old, wide streets buildings and houses of bahareque. It is a city that has been permitted to combine old structures, customs and traditions with the modernism and the new buildings among them shopping centers and businesses of service. In recent years is noticeable the urban development and the new installations of the Airport Daniel Oduber that permits him to receive regular flights and charter of diverse places of Canada and United States. It is a destiny since which different areas protected can be visited, among the ones that emphasize the national parks of Santa Rosa near La Cruz community and Rincón de La Vieja, or to enjoy beaches near to Golfo de Papagayo. Likewise it Friday and Sundays at 7 o'clock p.m. can enjoy itself the typical concert of the National Band of Guanacaste.

Ciudad de las Juntas

Las Juntas is a city with paved streets, which today’s still bonded to the gold mines’ activity, has a wide range of commercial places. It’s located 150 meters above the sea level and is a transit city to the Monteverde’s attractions, among them the Monteverde’s Biological Preserve, Santa Elena and Tilarán’s neighboring towns.
The Abangares’ Mines EcoMuseum is one of the attractive spots. In the community’s park, a locomotive used for material’s transportation to the mines can be seen.

Cañas City

Canes is a city situated in the plain, an encounter point for Tilarán, Bagaces and Abangares that’s where its commercial and touristic development comes from
It is located to 86 meters above the level of the sea, and among it’s most significant attractions, the river Corobicí can be noted, used by the adventure tourism companies and naturalist to carry tourists by its water for observe the flora and fauna, likewise the Pelado Volcano and the archaeological place El Farallón.

Celebration of the Liberia's, White City, Cultural Week

In Liberia there is a celebration called Semana Cultural ·Liberia, Ciudad Blanca· in the first week of september, which permits to recall that September 4, 1769 Guanacaste was founded, and that September 3, 1836 it was declared as City of Liberia. It has been realized for the past 17 years , and the Association of the Culture that organizes it, gives it every year a different emphasis, education, culture and architecture stand out among them. Dances, Guanacaste’s art, typical food and beverages are also present as complement.

Llanos del Cortés Waterfalls

These they are located few kilometers north of the city of Bagaces, highway to Liberia, where a left bypass conducts to this place. These waterfalls are surrounded by leafy vegetation and have various meters of height. Their water form a beautiful curtain that falls to a pond where the visitor can swim. As a particularity, it has a clear sand little beach.

Cañon Río Liberia

Few kilometers of the city of Liberia and on the road to the sector of Santa María of the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, a deep canyon formed by the Liberia River can be found. Its scenary is very beautiful, besides the canyon, the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano and the vegetation, different from the lower parts of the region, can be admired admired.

Bahía Quajiniquil

This bay is very protected against the winds and possesses a beautiful mangrove swamp that is its main attraction. It is a fishermen very concurred place, who find in this place a safe place for its boats and possesses a great marine wealth.

Calle Real De Liberia

The section of the central street, that is prolonged for several blocks, from north to south, from the central avenue of the city of Liberia, is very attractive because of their constructions and ancestral houses that characterize it and wich belong to their old helmet.
These old constructions have been restored and they are a part of the identity of this city, whose architecture employed the adobe and the bahareque, as well as the cal that give it its white color

Traditional Pasada del Niño Dios en Liberia

It is a tradition of many years, in which many people of the Liberian community comes to the Niño Dios of the Valdelomar Baltodano’s family, it’s initiated with a corn liquor beverage and pinolillo for everybody, and around 7 p.m. the figure is taken to the Nuestro Señor de la Agonía Hermitage, where and adoration portal has been built. Around 10 o'clock at night the Holy Mass is celebrated.

Tempisque River

This river is born in the faldas of the Orosí Volcano and has a length of 159 kilometers. Colorado, Salto, Bebedero, Bolsón, Diriá and Cañas’ rivers can are among the Tempisque’s affluent. It is navigable and during the journey numerous species of birds living in the magrove swamps can be observed. Palo VerdeNational Park is found in its basin.

Corobicí River

This beautiful river, located few kilometers north of the city of Cañas can be rafted. Everyone can participate in its rafts, classes I and II, beautiful river landscape can be enjoyed, as well as the observation of many birds as herons and toucans. This is practically the only river in all the region that has rafting.

Puertas del Sol

In Liberia and in some other populations of Guanacaste there was the tradition to build the houses with two cornered doors, peculiar and unique characteristic in Costa Rica. By its orientation and natural lighting purposes, these doors are called “puertas del sol” (sun doors). Most of them are located in central Liberia.

Puente de la Amistad

This bridge was inaugurated in April 2003. It substituted the shuttle service that for many years allowed the crossing of this river. This is an important and significant engineering work, built trought the Taiwan ‘s Government cooperation. It has 780 meters long and serves as tip of spear for an important development of Guanacaste.

Playa Ventanas

This inlet is located toward the northwest of Playa Grande, from which is communicated (and separated) by a rocky promontory by which, and due to its form, is named. It is appropriate to take the sun, a bath, to rest and to walk toward the north where the little Playa Carbon can be found.

Playa Tamarindo

Tamarindo among with Playa Grande and Ventanas form the Tamarindo bay. It is a beautiful beach that presents also rocky areas and an island (Capitán) in its south extreme. Counts on leafy vegetation: savannah oak trees, tamarinds and coconut palms. It has excellent and various services that permit to enjoy the sea during the day and to be entertained during the night. This beach is ideal for the rest, hikings and horseback rides, take sportfishing and diving tours, as well as to visit the mangrove swamp and to observe the turtle’s spawning. From this bay and toward the south the most important coastal sector for the practice of the surf is located. This beach has been rewarded with the Ecological Blue Flag, wich identifies it as a safe and clean beach.

Playa Real

Real beach along with Roble (to the south) and Nombre de Jesus (to the north) conform coastal a single unit, separated the two first of the third by the Punta Real. They are beaches of clear sands, and together they reach about two kilometers of extension. The beautiful coastal landscape is complemented with the presence of various small islands and rocky tips that gives it a greater scenic attraction. Its smooth to moderate swell makes it very apt for the bath, the hikes and the practice of other activities as the sea kayak.

Playa Rajada

It is a beach of smooth swell, ideal to bath and for rest under the shadow of leafy trees, walks can be carried out and is excellent for photography.

Playa Puerto Soley

Located in the north extreme of Guanacaste, in the beautiful and extensive Bahía Salinas. Is a very popular beach among the residents of the nearby population oLa Cruz. It possesses a moderate swell and smooth sands. It is famous for its dawns, which invites to carry out walks and to contemplate the majesty of this bay, where the Bolaños Island is located.

Playa Prieta

Is a small bay, of 400 meters long, with transparent water. It is located close to Virador and these two, as well as Balnca, are ideal to enjoy the bath, take the sun and to rest contemplating their beautiful and peaceful landscape.
This small beach is located toward the Pan de Azucar’s south, of which is separated by a rocky sector. Has a smooth swell and plenty of coastal vegetation. Toward the south, the punta Prieta and the Chocoyas small island confers it an special natural attraction to the surrounding landscape and, at the same time, they separate to this beach of the Penca.

Playa Potrero

This it occupies a bay of tranquil water that has about four kilometers of length. Counts on estuaries and mangrove swamps, as well as a beautiful landscape. Toward the south extreme, the Flamingo (Blanca) Navy is found. It is ideal for the bath, to take the sun, to carry out walks and horseback rides and to practice aquatic sports that are organized from this place: sportfishing and diving.

Playa Penca

It’s another small beach, with moderate to strong swelling. It has an estuary and a mangrove swamp, the ones that added to the presence of the Chocoyas’ small island in its north extreme confer to this beach a special attractiveness, very appropriate the rest and the contemplation. Was rewarded with the Blue Flag.

Playa Ocotal

It is an inlet delimited by hills, with grayish sand and quiet swelling. Toward the south extreme, the Punta Cirial is located, surrounded by crystalline water. This beach is ideal for the bath, to take the sun, to practice aquatic sports like diving and sportfishing, offered to different points of the Region. From the high parts of the adjacent hills it has magnificent views of all the Golfo de Papagayo. Toward the south of Ocotal another inlet of smaller size is located, known as Bahia Azul or Pez Vela, which is a sportfishing field. This beach has been rewarded with the Ecological Blue Flag, which identifies it as a safe and clean beach.

Playa Negra

This beach is located among Avellanas and Junquillal. In spite of its name (Black Beach), possesses clear sands, its coast is rocky and has an excellent surfing swell. Toward the south another less concurred coastal sector exists (Callejones), also good to practice this sport.

Playa Naranjo

Located very close to the shuttle’s (ferry) embarcadero. It is a small beach with little swell, which has coastal vegetation. By its location, this beach is ideal for the rest and to admire the maritime landscape, where Caballo Island stands out, located about five kilometers deep into the sea. From Naranjo, walks and horseback rides can be carried out, also mountain bike to other points of interest nearby.

Playa Nacascolo

It has smooth swell and transparent water, apt for the bath, huking and diving. Very visited by tourists that travel in rowboats of different nearby hotels or other aquatic transportation’s companys that used to visit the beach; its indisputable beauty makes Nacascolo a perfect corner of the North Pacific North, to walk to the edge of the sea and to enjoy the small estuary is located in its south extreme.

Playa Monte del Barco

This small beach is located between two points that shelter it and provides it with a beautiful and ideal environment for the rest and bath. Since the slopes and high parts of the immediate hill, Bahía Culebra can be seen in all its splendor, especially at dawn. This beach has been rewarded with the Ecological Blue Flag, which identifies it as a safe and clean beach.

Playa Langosta

This inlet is separated from Tamarindo by the Punta San Francisco. It has two main sectors, divided by the estuary of the San Francisco River. Toward the north, the coast is rocky and not apt for the bath. Toward the south, the estuary of San Francisco can be found, whose mangrove swamp is important for the birds’ nesting. Playa Langosta is an important place for the baula turtle’s spawning (Dermochelys coriacea) and is a part of the Baulas Marine National Park. Walking trought both sectors of this beach turns out to be very pleasant for the observation of the landscape and of several species of birds. Langosta is also very popular among the surfers. This beach has been rewarded with the Ecological Blue Flag, which identifies it as a safe and clean beach.

Playa Junquillal

This extense beach possesses an apt and very varied landscape, suitable to enjoy walks and horseback rides. It has rocky areas and presents a very good swelling for diving and surfing, that’s why it is very popular. Also it possesses coastal vegetation and fishing and kayaking can be practiced. This beach has been rewarded with the Ecological Blue Flag, which identifies it as a safe and clean beach.

Playa Jobo

Located in a beautiful and sheltered inlet of little swell. It has great scenic beauty, which is complemented with its coastal vegetation. Is ideal for the bath, the rest and the contemplation, as well as to enjoy other activities as the observation of the flora and the bird life.

Playa Iguanita

It is a very beautiful beach, located at the bottom of Bahía Culebra. It is delimited in its north and south extremes by two rocky points. Quebrada Grande flows toward the south, and it drains in the Iguanita estuary, forming an intricate mangrove swamp.

Playa Hermosa

This beautiful bay has around 2 kilometers of length and counts with grayish sands. It is located between two mountainous points. Toward the south and in front of the Punta Cacique, Pelonas and Montosa’ Islands are found. It presents little swell and abundant coastal vegetation. It is very appropriate for the bath, to take the sun and to observe its beautiful dawn, practice aquatic sports, including diving, to hike and horseback ride. This beach has been rewarded with the Ecological Blue Flag, which identifies it as a safe and clean beach.